This beautiful conch appears to have some age, however, the repoussť silver metalwork might be a later addition. It is mounted with twelve roundels that represent the 12 sacred animals of the zodiac. Other animals including a Kirtimukha can be seen amongst scrolling foliage. It has been mounted with genuine coral and turquoise stones. The quality of the silver work and attention to detail is far superior to more recent repousse silver conch shells that are coming out of Asia, which also suggests that this is a much earlier piece and perhaps an example that later pieces have been modelled on. A wonderful ritual instrument or alternatively a fine altar offering to represent the 'melodious sound of the Dharma'. Plays beautifully with a very resonant sound.